3.3TT Wagner Tuning intercooler

[WildBill]

We've all read enough of these threads that get to this point where you do nothing wrong and the other guy/guys are the ones with the problem.
Let's just let it die. You have made your points / facts / opinions known.
There are clearly fitment issues for USDM vehicles as stated before your interjections. The discussion before this spiral was about the manufacturer contacting customers to hopefully correct said issues.
The continuation of that type of information / conversation can help this thread move forward.

 

[STINGER]

The Snorkels don't fit. I can guarantee this, its a fact. We tried to make them fit and they didn't. I don't know if all vendors will charge a restocking fee but my friend got charged 20% restocking fee after we found out about the fitment issues and he was not satisfied at all. No point on you buying snorkles if you are getting the Wagner intercoooler, you will have to resell them and lose money. If you change your mind on the Wagner intercooler and have fitment issues which you will if you own an American Stinger. Just be ready to have to make some minor modifications and some trip to Home depot if you get it. Just understand what you are buying and getting into before you actually do it.

Restocking fee for a part that doesn't fit as advertised? really, can they do that?

(how you like my antagonism?)

on a serious note, can they do that?

 

[Angel]

Restocking fee for a part that doesn't fit as advertised? really, can they do that?

(how you like my antagonism?)

on a serious note, can they do that?

Yes they can. They did it to my friend. Even thou he took pictures and stated all of the fitment issues the vendor was giving him a hard time to just get him a refund. After my buddy went bat shit crazy over the phone they finally agreed to refund him the money but charged him a 20% percent restocking fee. The vendor claimed that he sold many of the intercoolers and didn’t get any complaints. He also claimed that wagner test fitted these on the Stinger and they never had any fitment issues. I don’t want to say too much and be labeled as the antagonist or hater. My advise is just research and if you decide to buy make sure 1. You ask the vendor on their return policy especially if fitment is not perfect or plug and play meaning no modifications necessary 2. Be sure you have the necessary tools/skills to do the install yourself. 3. Be willing to know that if you break something in the process is on you.

For the record I like you your antagonism lol ...... keep it coming

 

[WildBill]

Restocking fee for a part that doesn't fit as advertised? really, can they do that?
on a serious note, can they do that?

Can or should? Can, I'm sure. But when something is not plug and play like this, it seems that a vendor should work with the customer. Especially with first adopter of a new product. If need be the vendor should be able to go backwards to the manufacturer to recoup something. After all, they were sold a product that was supposed to work as well.

 

[Never thought]

Angel can you stop advertising other products in this thread? You already said it like 5 times...
We all know that there are cheaper alternatives, there always are.

Just put they guy on ignore like me and your forum experience will be much better.

 

[xot1]

Just put they guy on ignore like me and your forum experience will be much better.

I don't do such things and I have nothing against the person.

 

[ecko04]

I don’t know how many different ways I can slice this bread but I’m about to try:

There are installation issues — not fitment issues, at least not the way I think of fitment.

I view fitment to mean that the product does not fit or requires modification to the core product to fit. I’d say there was a fitment issue if the lower mounting hole was in the wrong location.

The problem isn’t fitment the issue is with the installation materials and directions. Stateside finding a metric rivnut tool is like finding a needle in a haystack. Keep in mind a rivnut is not the same as a rivet. You’re not going to find a metric tool in Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, or Northern Tool.

On the other hand the product was engineered in Germany, and if you knew you were going to be installing it, it would behoove one to read the instructions ahead of time, since they’ve been online for at least a month, and ensure you have the items you needed, which is why I bought one off Amazon to have on hand.

All of this could be resolved if Wagner altered the installation materials and ditched the rivnuts altogether. There’s nothing that requires you to use them.

Anywhere you can put a rivnut, you can either tack weld the nut in place so the installer never has to worry about the rivet breaking loose while tightening the screw.

Or even better, simply go with 3/4” length bolts with lock on washers and lock nuts thereby totally removing the rivets and rivnuts out of the equation. Since where they’re being used is not visible and there are no clearance issues using 3/4” bolts that would make life easier for everyone and no special tools would be needed.

Add a little note to the instructions that says you’ll lose 1/8th cup of transmission fluid when swapping the bolts for the transmission cooler and if you move quickly it’s so minimal it’s not necessary to replace it.

Add a note to the instructions that says which part number for the silicone hoses to which side.

Now there are fitment issues with the lower IC baffle...there’s nowhere to mount it, for USDM Stingers, so that fits my qualifier for a fitment issue.

If I had to head over to the jig, there’s a fitment issue.

 

[Angel]

Just put they guy on ignore like me and your forum experience will be much better.

I "Never thought" the feeling would be mutual!

Although I don't have you on ignore neither do I have a reason too.

I don’t know how many different ways I can slice this bread but I’m about to try:

There are installation issues — not fitment issues, at least not the way I think of fitment.

I view fitment to mean that the product does not fit or requires modification to the core product to fit. I’d say there was a fitment issue if the lower mounting hole was in the wrong location.

The problem isn’t fitment the issue is with the installation materials and directions. Stateside finding a metric rivnut tool is like finding a needle in a haystack. Keep in mind a rivnut is not the same as a rivet. You’re not going to find a metric tool in Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, or Northern Tool.

On the other hand the product was engineered in Germany, and if you knew you were going to be installing it, it would behoove one to read the instructions ahead of time, since they’ve been online for at least a month, and ensure you have the items you needed, which is why I bought one off Amazon to have on hand.

All of this could be resolved if Wagner altered the installation materials and ditched the rivnuts altogether. There’s nothing that requires you to use them.

Anywhere you can put a rivnut, you can either tack weld the nut in place so the installer never has to worry about the rivet breaking loose while tightening the screw.

Or even better, simply go with 3/4” length bolts with lock on washers and lock nuts thereby totally removing the rivets and rivnuts out of the equation. Since where they’re being used is not visible and there are no clearance issues using 3/4” bolts that would make life easier for everyone and no special tools would be needed.

Add a little note to the instructions that says you’ll lose 1/8th cup of transmission fluid when swapping the bolts for the transmission cooler and if you move quickly it’s so minimal it’s not necessary to replace it.

Add a note to the instructions that says which part number for the silicone hoses to which side.

Now there are fitment issues with the lower IC baffle...there’s nowhere to mount it, for USDM Stingers, so that fits my qualifier for a fitment issue.

If I had to head over to the jig, there’s a fitment issue.

If you are satisfied and happy with the product that is all that matter's.

This is good info that will help other's get the necessary tools and tip's to make the installation easier. I wish I would of known this before I helped my buddy out. I am sure if he would of known ahead of time, he would have been prepared. I think the surprise factor of not being a perfect fit and not having all the necessary tools at the time of installation made him want to return the product and get a refund. Wagner makes bad ass products, that is not even up for debate that is a fact. ​

 

[ecko04]

If you are satisfied and happy with the product that is all that matter's.

This is good info that will help other's get the necessary tools and tip's to make the installation easier. I wish I would of known this before I helped my buddy out. I am sure if he would of known ahead of time, he would have been prepared. I think the surprise factor of not being a perfect fit and not having all the necessary tools at the time of installation made him want to return the product and get a refund. Wagner makes bad ass products, that is not even up for debate that is a fact. ​

Which aspects didn’t fit for your friend that led to the surprise? It would be helpful to know.

 

[Angel]

I guess the main surprise for him was that he was under the impression that this intercooler would be a direct swap/perfect fit to his Stinger. He also had read in Facebook that he would have been able to use the Snorkels with this intercooler which was not the case when he went to install it. He also was not prepared to loose transmission fluid and he lost a reasonable amount. When he realized that a rivnuts was cross threaded and he could not tighten it that kind off made him loose his shit. He didn't have rivnut tool or angle grinder to be able to remove them. At that point he didn't feel comfortable enough to want to keep going thru with the install. It was also around 11:50 pm and the stores were closed and he only owns one car. He didn't want to keep messing with it. At that point he was just dissatisfied. I personally didn't want to install it for him and take the responsibility if I damaged something. Not to mention the bottom baffle not fitting. I am sure the intercooler will work fine without it, but he was just disappointed that he paid top dollars and he needed to make modifications to make it fit. Everyone personality is different, so can't speak for everyone. The instructions were bolony!

I personally would have made it work and installed it. I still would have been a bit disappointed, but I don't think I would have returned it. Again if people read your review they might be prepared ahead of time and not be surprised at all.

I remember when I had minor fitment issues when I bought the first pair of AP intakes when they were released. My hood would not close flush. There were other's that didn't have the issue. There was one guy here on the forum that recommended to remove the rubber grommets on the intake shield and to do some repositioning and it helped me out a lot. Still not flush but its a lot better. I will admit I was a bit disappointed but I like the look of the intake so much that I was able to deal with it. I also didn't want to go thru the hassle of a return.

 

[turboAWD]

Update from Wagner on FB: we found out now that the US models a bit different compared to the korean & european ones that we used for R&D. We will workout now a "US market intercooler kit" to ensure a perfect product for you guys. Thanks again for your hint, Sir. We appreciate your feedback. (thumbs up emoticon).

best regards from Germany
WT

 

[Angel]

Update from Wagner on FB: we found out now that the US models a bit different compared to the korean & european ones that we used for R&D. We will workout now a "US market intercooler kit" to ensure a perfect product for you guys. Thanks again for your hint, Sir. We appreciate your feedback. (thumbs up emoticon).

best regards from Germany
WT

That is Aweosme!

That's is great news! I would not expect anything less from a great company like Wagner. Hopefully they also develop the intake ducts for the US model intercooler.

 

[turboAWD]

I agree - I've always like "overkill" type products for the "big" things. I have a Grimmspeed TMIC for my Legacy GT.. This seems like the Grimmspeed FMIC for Kias.. If the update is well done, I'm totally in for one..

 

[xot1]

Alright so some pictures from my install. Story time.

Good thing the Stinger is a hatch, because this box is HUGE


Opening the box... absolutely magnificent... (for the reference of size, look at my foot)
and what comes with the intercooler (besides the manual and stickers). Told you, no snorkels.


Before starting the install, weighing the beast -> 14.1 kg (31 lbs)


First thing, bumper removed


Here is the naked Stinger in Korean spec. (bumper rail slightly different than US spec)
The stock (tiny) intercooler will not be here for long!


In front of the intake inlets, some kind of plastic "shape"...
It doesn't look very efficient to suck air in.
Remove them.. et voila! Much better now. (who need snorkels?)


Removing the bumper rail... and the stock intercooler...


On the scale! -> 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs)
so the Wagner is roughly 20 lbs heavier.


Testing to see if the intercooler fits...
but it touches the transmission cooler!


The manual explains that you need to move back the transmission cooler. Got it.


PS: The Korean spec Stinger has a 5 line transmission cooler vs 7 line in the US

Now ready to mount the beast!


To be continued.

 

[Angel]

Alright so some pictures from my install. Story time.

Good thing the Stinger is a hatch, because this box is HUGE
View attachment 26587

Opening the box... absolutely magnificent... (for the reference of size, look at my foot)
and what comes with the intercooler (besides the manual and stickers). Told you, no snorkels.
View attachment 26590 View attachment 26589

Before starting the install, weighing the beast -> 14.1 kg (31 lbs)
View attachment 26588

First thing, bumper removed
View attachment 26591

Here is the naked Stinger in Korean spec. (bumper rail slightly different than US spec)
The stock (tiny) intercooler will not be here for long!
View attachment 26593

In front of the intake inlets, some kind of plastic "shape"...
It doesn't look very efficient to suck air in.
Remove them.. et voila! Much better now. (who need snorkels?)
View attachment 26594 View attachment 26595

Removing the bumper rail... and the stock intercooler...
View attachment 26596 View attachment 26597

On the scale! -> 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs)
so the Wagner is roughly 20 lbs heavier.
View attachment 26599

Testing to see if the intercooler fits...
but it touches the transmission cooler!
View attachment 26601

The manual explains that you need to move back the transmission cooler. Got it.
View attachment 26603 View attachment 26605
View attachment 26608 View attachment 26609
PS: The Korean spec Stinger has a 5 line transmission cooler vs 7 line in the US

Now ready to mount the beast!
View attachment 26607

To be continued.

That's a good looking intercooler! Looks massive!

 

[xot1]

Mouting this intercooler is a piece of cake. The fit is perfect.




Now that it is in place, time to add the side blades(?)



Putting back the bumper rail...


and attaching the hoses...



Here is how it looks before putting the bumper back.


Install finished! It took less than an hour in total without rushing. (one man job)


BTW here are the parts that came off the car and will not be re-attached


and see how the intake inlets are now directly exposed to the frontal air flow

(the car was super dirty...)

 

[xot1]

Now as for performance, I saw a significant difference vs. before.

My IATs during 20~25 second pulls went down from 100℉ to 80℉. (WMI vs WMI+FMIC)
My ignition timings in during maximum boost went up 2~3˚ (this is huge!).
In the same spot for test pulls my exit speed increased from 165 to 168 mph. (+3mph)
During normal highway cruising IATs went down from 115℉ to 75℉.

As you can tell, I am extremely satisfied by the product. Here is my personal verdict.

Pros:
- Performance / core design
- Looks
- Build quality
- Fitment (hopefully soon for the US cars too!)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Covers the transmission cooler and the engine cooler so transmission and engine oil temps may be slightly higher
- 20 lbs heavier than stock
- Could have included snorkels for a more "complete" look (even though I firmly believes it adds zero performance vs. just removing the plastic part in front of the inlet)
- Not compatible with the G70 aluminium bumper rail (could have canceled out the weight increase)
Overall rating: ★★★★☆
Would recommend? Definitely.

 

[robz32]

Great review @xot1

 

[STINGER]

Excellent review @xot1

 

[Jdawg3000]

Now as for performance, I saw a significant difference vs. before.

My IATs during 20~25 second pulls went down from 100℉ to 80℉. (WMI vs WMI+FMIC)
My ignition timings in during maximum boost went up 2~3˚ (this is huge!).
In the same spot for test pulls my exit speed increased from 165 to 168 mph. (+3mph)
During normal highway cruising IATs went down from 115℉ to 75℉.

As you can tell, I am extremely satisfied by the product. Here is my personal verdict.

Pros:
- Performance / core design
- Looks
- Build quality
- Fitment (hopefully soon for the US cars too!)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Covers the transmission cooler and the engine cooler so transmission and engine oil temps may be slightly higher
- 20 lbs heavier than stock
- Could have included snorkels for a more "complete" look (even though I firmly believes it adds zero performance vs. just removing the plastic part in front of the inlet)
- Not compatible with the G70 aluminium bumper rail (could have canceled out the weight increase)
Overall rating: ★★★★☆
Would recommend? Definitely.

Just installed mine earlier this week and I would say your review is 100% accurate.

Side note...any issues with the hardware provided? Looks like you have a different hardware than what I got and mine didn't work so I had to use what I had lying around. Talked to the seller (K8Stinger) and he said Wagner is aware of the issue.

 

[turboAWD]

xot1 lives in Korea - the Korean Stinger is a bit different than the US model.